Diffusing apparatus and methods

ABSTRACT

A diffusing apparatus for diffusing essential oils into the air includes a reservoir configured to hold essential oils in an internal cavity, and a collar assembly covering the internal cavity. The collar assembly includes a collar exhaust aperture, a collar exhaust channel, and an exhaust port. The collar exhaust aperture is positioned on an opposite side of the exhaust port.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/727,238, filed on Oct. 6, 2017, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/287,733,filed on Oct. 6, 2016, both of which are incorporated by referenceherein, for all purposes.

FIELD

This application relates generally to devices for dispersing essentialoils into the air. In particular, this application relates to devicesfor dispersing essential oils into the air by infusing the oils with airand dispersing the saturated air.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, sales for essential oils have exploded. Essential oilsare usually oils which are derived from, or include certain essentialcomponents or essences of different plant substances. Such oils aregenerally ingested, topically applied, or are breathed in throughvarious methods of diffusion or atomization.

Essential oils, known as nature's living energy, are the natural,aromatic volatile liquids found in shrubs, flowers, trees, resins, fruitpeels, rhizomes, roots, bushes, and seeds. The distinctive components inessential oils defend plants against insects, environmental conditions,and disease. They are also vital for a plant to grow, live, evolve, andadapt to its surroundings. Essential oils are extracted from aromaticplant sources via steam distillation, cold pressing, and other types ofextraction and/or distillation. Essential oils are highly concentratedand far more potent than dry herbs. Other topically applied oils mayinclude olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil, fatty acid oils, etc., andoils high in esters, such as jojoba oil, and waxes such as beeswax.

While essential oils often have a pleasant aroma, their chemical makeupis complex and their benefits vast—which make them much more thansomething that simply smells good. Essential oils are used foraromatherapy, massage therapy, emotional health, personal care,nutritional supplements, household solutions, and much more.

Diffusers for essential oils have been used to disperse the essentialoils for breathing or to create a pleasant fragrance in a room or area.However, available diffusers for use with most essential oils are almostalways unreliable with short service lives and high failure rate. Theseproblems can be mitigated with meticulous care in maintaining thediffuser, which is beyond the capacity and patience of the average user.

SUMMARY

The subject matter of the present application has been developed inresponse to the present state of the art, and in particular, in responseto the problems and disadvantages associated with conventional diffusingapparatuses and processes that have not yet been fully solved bycurrently available techniques. Accordingly, the subject matter of thepresent application has been developed to provide embodiments of asystem, an apparatus, and a method that overcome at least some of theabove-discussed shortcomings of prior art techniques.

Disclosed herein is a diffusing apparatus for diffusing essential oilsinto the air according to one or more examples of the presentdisclosure. The apparatus includes a reservoir configured to holdessential oils in an internal cavity, and a collar assembly covering theinternal cavity. The collar assembly includes a collar exhaust aperture,a collar exhaust channel, and an exhaust port. The collar exhaustaperture is positioned on an opposite side of the exhaust port. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 1 ofthe present disclosure.

The apparatus further includes a protective cap. The exhaust portextends past the protective cap. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 2 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 2 also includes the subject matter according to example 1,above.

The apparatus further includes at least one fluid flow regulatorpositioned in the exhaust port, the at least one fluid flow regulatorconfigured to direct exhaust out the exhaust port. The preceding subjectmatter of this paragraph characterizes example 3 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 3 also includes the subject matter accordingto any one of examples 1-2, above.

The apparatus further includes a protective cap. The exhaust port iscoplanar with a surface of the protective cap. The preceding subjectmatter of this paragraph characterizes example 4 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 4 also includes the subject matter accordingto any one of examples 1-3, above.

The apparatus further includes two fluid flow regulators positioned inthe exhaust port. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 5 of the present disclosure, wherein example 5also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-4,above.

The fluid flow regulators each comprise a first slat that is parallel toa sidewall of the exhaust port. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 6 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 6 also includes the subject matter according to any one ofexamples 1-5, above.

The fluid flow regulators each comprise a second slat that is parallelto each other. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 7 of the present disclosure, wherein example 7also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-6,above.

The at least one fluid flow regulator is coupled to a channel cap thatcovers the collar exhaust channel. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 8 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 8 also includes the subject matter according to any one ofexamples 1-7, above.

The at least one fluid flow regulator is coupled to the collar assembly.The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 9of the present disclosure, wherein example 9 also includes the subjectmatter according to any one of examples 1-8, above.

The at least one fluid flow regulator is coupled to a bottom surface ofthe exhaust port. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 10 of the present disclosure, wherein example 10also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-9,above.

The apparatus further includes two fluid flow regulators positioned inthe exhaust port, wherein the fluid flow regulators each comprise afirst slat that is parallel to a sidewall of the exhaust port, andwherein the fluid flow regulators each comprise a second slat that isparallel to each other. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 11 of the present disclosure, wherein example 11also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-10,above.

The apparatus further includes a micro air pump, wherein the micro airpump unit produces airflow of up to one liter per minute. The precedingsubject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 12 of the presentdisclosure, wherein example 12 also includes the subject matteraccording to any one of examples 1-11, above.

The collar exhaust aperture is located on a first side of the collarinlet port, and the collar exhaust channel is a passageway extendingfrom the first side of the collar inlet port and around the collar inletport to a second side of the collar inlet port and out a side of thecollar assembly. The preceding subject matter of this paragraphcharacterizes example 13 of the present disclosure, wherein example 13also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1-12,above.

The apparatus further includes a controller assembly removably coupledto the reservoir, the controller assembly including an air inlet port, afirst controller, and a micro air pump unit. The apparatus furtherincludes a base removably coupled to the controller assembly, the baseincluding a second controller, wherein the second controller isconnected to the first controller. The apparatus further includes a tubein fluid connection at a first end with the micro air pump unit andextending into the reservoir, the tube providing a path for pressurizedair from the micro air pump unit into the reservoir through a pluralityof orifices at a second end of the tube. The preceding subject matter ofthis paragraph characterizes example 14 of the present disclosure,wherein example 14 also includes the subject matter according to any oneof examples 1-13, above.

The micro air pump unit generates at least five hundred Pascals ofpressure. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizesexample 15 of the present disclosure, wherein example 15 also includesthe subject matter according to any one of examples 1-14, above.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus for diffusing essential oils into theair according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. Theapparatus includes a reservoir configured to hold essential oils in aninternal cavity and a controller assembly removably coupled to thereservoir, the controller assembly comprising an air inlet port, a firstcontroller, and a micro air pump unit. The apparatus further includes acollar assembly covering the internal cavity, the collar assemblycomprising a collar exhaust aperture, a collar exhaust channel, and anexhaust port, wherein the collar exhaust aperture is positioned on anopposite side of the exhaust port. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 16 of the present disclosure.

The apparatus further includes a protective cap. The exhaust portextends past the protective cap. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 17 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 17 also includes the subject matter according to example 16,above.

The at least one fluid flow regulator is coupled to a channel cap thatcovers the collar exhaust channel. The preceding subject matter of thisparagraph characterizes example 18 of the present disclosure, whereinexample 18 also includes the subject matter according to any one ofexamples 16-17, above.

The channel cap further comprises a raised platform, wherein the atleast one fluid flow regulator is coupled to the raised platform. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 19 ofthe present disclosure, wherein example 19 also includes the subjectmatter according to any one of examples 16-18, above.

Disclosed herein is a method of infusing air with essential oilsaccording to one or more examples of the present disclosure. The methodincludes providing an essential oils reservoir and coupling a collarassembly to the reservoir, the collar assembly covering the internalcavity, the collar assembly comprising a collar exhaust aperture, acollar exhaust channel, and an exhaust port, wherein the collar exhaustaperture is positioned on an opposite side of the exhaust port. Themethod further includes controlling airflow with at least one fluid flowregulator positioned in the exhaust port, the at least one fluid flowregulator configured to direct exhaust out the exhaust port. Thepreceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 20 ofthe present disclosure.

The described features, structures, advantages, and/or characteristicsof the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in anysuitable manner in one or more embodiments and/or implementations. Inthe following description, numerous specific details are provided toimpart a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter ofthe present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognizethat the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practicedwithout one or more of the specific features, details, components,materials, and/or methods of a particular embodiment or implementation.In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognizedin certain embodiments and/or implementations that may not be present inall embodiments or implementations. Further, in some instances,well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown ordescribed in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter ofthe present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subjectmatter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent fromthe following description and appended claims, or may be learned by thepractice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the subject matter may be more readilyunderstood, a more particular description of the subject matter brieflydescribed above will be rendered by reference to specific embodimentsthat are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that thesedrawings depict only typical embodiments of the subject matter and arenot therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subjectmatter will be described and explained with additional specificity anddetail through the use of the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a diffusing apparatus, according to oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a diffusing apparatus, according to one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a straw, base, and diffuser tip of a diffusingapparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a controller assembly and bottleinterface, including a foaming reduction device for a diffusingapparatus, according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a diffusing apparatus, according toone or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a diffusing apparatus while partiallydisassembled, according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a diffusing apparatus, according to oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an opposite facing direction to thediffusing apparatus of FIG. 7, according to one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a base, according to one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the base, according to one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a battery base, according toone or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a reservoir, according to oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a controller assembly,according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is another exploded perspective view of the controller assemblyof FIG. 13, according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of an engine mount, according toone or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view of a wiper seal, according to oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of a collar assembly, a tube,and a diffuser tip, according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a collar assembly, accordingto one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a tube, according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a side view of a diffuser tip, according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a side cross-sectional view of a diffuser tip, according toone or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a diffuser tip, according to one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 23 is a bottom view of a diffuser tip, according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is a top view of a diffuser tip, according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a side view of a reservoir, according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is a side view of the reservoir, according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 27 is a schematic flow chart of a method of infusing air withessential oils, according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a channel cap, according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 29 is a bottom view of a channel cap, according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a collar assembly, according to one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 is a schematic view of the exhaust port airflow, according toone or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 32 is a schematic view of the exhaust port airflow, according toone or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a diffusing apparatus, according to oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 34 is a close-up perspective view of a collar assembly andprotective cap, according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 35 is a close-up perspective view of a collar assembly andprotective cap, according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 36 is a close-up perspective view of the collar assembly, accordingto one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 37 is a close-up perspective view of a collar assembly with thechannel cap removed, according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a channel cap, according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 39 is a bottom view of a channel cap, according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a collar assembly, according to one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a collar assembly, according to one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a diffusing apparatus, according to oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 43 is a close-up perspective view of a collar assembly andprotective cap, according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 44 is a close-up perspective view of the collar assembly, accordingto one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 45 is a close-up perspective view of a collar assembly with thechannel cap removed, according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.Appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. Similarly, the use of theterm “implementation” means an implementation having a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure, however, absent anexpress correlation to indicate otherwise, an implementation may beassociated with one or more embodiments.

The following description supplies specific details in order to providea thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan wouldunderstand that the apparatus and associated methods of using theapparatus can be implemented and used without employing these specificdetails. Indeed, the apparatus and associated methods can be placed intopractice by modifying the illustrated apparatus and associated methodsand can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniquesconventionally used in the industry.

Exemplary essential oils diffusers may utilize an optimized and uniquedesign to effectively diffuse many different types of essential oilswith or without any added water into a personal space or room for manyhours of enjoyment. Essential oils diffusers disclosed herein may use apiezoelectric micro air pump or other suitable micro air pump to diffuseair within a well or reservoir of essential oils. Diffusing air inessential oils causes an efficient saturation of oil in the air withinair bubbles. Indeed, bubbles provide efficient and dynamic oil diffusioninto the air by providing extended exposure of the air to a maximumsurface area compared to volume of air, thereby infusing the air withessential oils for dispersal in a room or other personal environment.

Furthermore, diffuser tips also provide a calming sound of bubblingwater as compared to the high frequency whine of traditional air fansand blowers. Suitable micro air pumps may provide between 500 and 2700Pa of pressure with a consumption of between 0.1 and 1 Watts and deliverabout 1-2 L/min of airflow in a physical package of less than 25×25×10millimeters. In some embodiments, the physical package is less than20×20×2 millimeters.

Through experimentation, it was discovered that a head pressure of atleast 500 Pa is required to create bubbles 1 inch under the surface oflight viscosity essential oils. Heavier essential oils and deeperreservoirs, or course, require higher pressures to permit bubbling. Itwas also discovered that commercially available traditional fan andblower designs were incapable of delivering the required pressure forsubmerged bubbling air infusion to push air into essential oils or anessential oil solution to diffuse and expel the oils into the air, whilekeeping the oils away from the air pump, preventing the oils fromshortening the life of the diffuser. As shown in the Figures, essentialoils diffusers 100 that are suitable to generate effective, efficientsubmerged bubbling diffusion may include a controller assembly 130, areservoir (bottle) 110, base 120, and a tube 174 and diffuser tip 180that extend into the reservoir 110. Effective diffusers using thecomponents illustrated may measure less than 155 mm tall includingreservoir and less than 30×30 millimeters, with a controller/air pumpassembly of less than 30 millimeters cubed to provide an efficient,effective micro diffuser.

Turning first to FIGS. 1 and 2, diffusing apparatus 100 may include acontroller assembly 130 with a protective cap 140 mounted on a reservoir110. Reservoir 110 may be placed in base 120 to stabilize diffusingapparatus 100 to reduce the likelihood of spills, tip-overs, or unwantedvibrations. Protective cap 140 may house the controller assembly 130,which will be discussed in more detail below, oil infused air exhaustopening 146, and buttons 142 and 144 for operating diffusing apparatus100. Controller assembly 130 may be removably secured to reservoir 110using gaskets and may include tube 174 extending from the bottom ofcontroller assembly 130 and to near the bottom of reservoir 110. At theend of tube 174, diffuser tip 180 may include a plurality of holes 182to bubble air into essential oils within the reservoir. As shown in FIG.3 a bubble disruptor 176 may be included on tube 174 to keep any oilbubbles from pushing liquid oil out through cap base 170 and exhaustopening 146 to prevent oil sputter or droplets from collecting arounddiffusing apparatus 100.

FIGS. 3 and 4 shown exploded views of the various components and will beused to explain the various components of the illustrated embodimentsand the function of diffusing apparatus 100. Controller assembly 130 mayinclude cap 140 covering the internal components and providing anaesthetic package for diffusing apparatus 100. Touch sensitivecapacitive electronic switches or sensor pads 132 and 134 may beoperated by touching buttons 142 and 144 of cap 140. Button 142 may beused to select air flow rates and button 144 may be used to selectlighting of one or more LEDs 133 to provide an attractive aesthetic todiffusing apparatus 100. The internal components may include a printedcircuit board controller 131 with electronic components to provide lightand control micro air pump 150. Controller 131 may include wirelesscapabilities, and may be programmable using a USB or other suitableinterface. Similarly, a USB cord may be used to power diffusingapparatus 100 because of the low power requirement of micro air pump 150and controller assembly 130.

Micro air pump 150 may be a piezo air pump meeting the specificationsdiscussed above. Spacers 136 and 138 may be provided to separate thefresh air supply into air pump 150 and the output air from air pump 150.Pump base 154 may be secured to controller 131 with fasteners 135 tosecure the controller/air pump assembly 130 together. Gasket 156 may beused to create an air-tight interface between the air output of air pump150 and cap base 170.

Cap base 170 may be formed to secure controller assembly 130 toreservoir 110, and to direct air into tube and infused air out throughopening 172. Cap base 170 may be securely placed on reservoir 110 withthe aid of gasket 112 on the neck 114 of reservoir 110. Cap base 170 maybe part of controller assembly 130 or may be used as a cap for reservoir110. In such embodiments, switching reservoirs is very simplyaccomplished by pulling controller assembly 130 off of base cap 170 andplacing in on a different reservoir with another base cap installed.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the path of air through diffusingapparatus 100 can be easily seen. Fresh air enters under the rear ofprotective cap 140, along channel 171 in cap base 170, into air pump150, and is then pumped down through cap base 170 and into tube 174 intoreservoir 100. At the bottom of tube 174, diffuser tip 180 includes aplurality of openings 182 to create bubbles when air is pumped intoessential oils in reservoir 110. The bubbles may then rise through theessential oils in reservoir 110, ideally bursting at the surface. Theoil infused air can then exit though cap base 170 opening 172 and outthrough exhaust opening 146.

Diffuser tip 180 may be designed with different sizes and configurationsof openings 182 depending on the size and frequency of bubbles desired,as well as depending on the viscosity of the essential oil to bediffused. For example, smaller openings 182 may provide small bubbles,which may provide maximum efficiency in diffusing oils into the airwithin the bubbles as the available surface area per volume of air ismaximized. In some embodiments, the sound of the bubbles can be tuned togenerate an aesthetically pleasing sound based on the size and frequencyof the bubbles based, again, on the number and sizes of openings 182 andthe viscosity of the oil. For example, diffuser tip 180 may include 6openings 182, or 12 openings 182.

Reservoir 110 may comprise of an easily removable glass or moldedpolymer body that is optimized dimensionally with the diffuser forgreatest effect by allowing the most oils to be diffused in an effectivemanner before requiring a refill. In some embodiments, the reservoir maybe bottles that are provided with essential oils by distributors andmanufacturers. It may also be fitted with specially designed cap base170 as discussed above. Referring to FIG. 26, the dotted lines signifyinternal surfaces. Such internal surfaces are still visible when thereservoir 110 is made of glass or similar transparent material.

In some embodiments, exhaust ports or emitters can be a small series ofholes or other physical opening in the cap 140 and cap base 170 or at abody at the top of the reservoir that allows the pressurized air andvolatiles to escape into the space or room to be diffused. These holesor opening can be closed or regulated via a valve or mechanism, or bysimply tightening the reservoir to the cap for long-term storage duringperiods of non-use. This design may have the advantage of very gooddiffusion rates (consumption of essential oil) that can create anoticeable and potent aroma from a very small package and low relativeenergy consumption. This may be a desirable feature for essential oilcompanies as it promotes consumption of the products.

Exemplary essential oils diffusers as described herein provide superiordiffusion compared to a simple fan that can only evaporate or blow aironto the surface of the essential oil or saturated pad. In contrast, themicro air pump injects pressurized air into the bottom of the reservoir,delivering a long, uninterrupted performance with great aromatic effect.Interestingly, a separate external fan can be utilized that blows freshair into the diffused air stream after it exits the diffuser to furtherdistribute the aroma if desired.

In some embodiments, the micro air pump may be located within a veryshort distance of the point of diffusion, or air discharge. This wouldenable the internal warmth of the device due to its operation to bequickly carried with the pressurized air to the diffusion point, furtherenhancing diffusion efficiency. The illustrated designs and others maypermit incoming air flow to flow past and cool all electronic componentsto increase the warmth of the input pressurized air introduced into theessential oil reservoir. However, if the design requires, it can belocated further away for more design freedom.

In some embodiments, the micro air pump can be modulated to createdifferent flow rates by varying the amplitude of the sinusoidal drivesignal for adjustable flow. Or it can be controlled in an adjustableinterval On/Off mode for periodic diffusion. Alternatively, the flowrate can be controlled by reducing the diffuser emitter (exit) openingby adjusting a mechanism or tightening the reservoir bottle. Because ofits small size, the micro air pump can be located unobtrusively andalmost invisibly in many areas of the diffuser. One optional micro airpump may be only a few millimeters thick and have a footprint of only 20mm×20 mm square. This permits the diffuser to achieve many novel,different, and even minimal designs that will create a differentiatedlook. Additionally, the LED can be modulated to create a different moodor lighting effect.

In other embodiments, the controller assembly 130 may also includewireless communication capability to allow for control from a wirelessdevice such as a cell phone or other computer. Similarly, the controlfunctionality may be modified in numerous ways with air flow andlighting modifications as desired.

In addition to any previously indicated modification, numerous othervariations and alternative arrangements may be devised by those skilledin the art without departing from the spirit and scope of thisdescription, and appended claims are intended to cover suchmodifications and arrangements. Thus, while the information has beendescribed above with particularity and detail in connection with what ispresently deemed to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications, including, but not limited to, form, function, manner ofoperation and use may be made without departing from the principles andconcepts set forth herein. Also, as used herein, examples are meant tobe illustrative only and should not be construed to be limiting in anymanner.

Referring to FIG. 7, a perspective view of a diffusing apparatus 100 isshown. The diffusing apparatus 100 includes a base 220, a reservoir 110,a collar assembly 310, and a controller assembly 130. Although thediffusing apparatus 100 is shown and described with certain componentsand functionality, other embodiments of the diffusing apparatus 100 mayinclude fewer or more components to implement less or morefunctionality.

The diffusing apparatus 100 described in conjunction with FIG. 7 mayinclude some or all of the features described in conjunction with FIGS.1-6 and are not repeated for the sake of brevity.

The diffusing apparatus 100 includes a base 220. The base 220 is asupport structure configured to support the reservoir 110. The base 220includes a printed circuit board base controller 224 configured tointerconnect and communicate with the printed circuit board controller131. The base 220 may include various components configured tofacilitate the communication between the printed circuit board basecontroller 224 and the printed circuit board controller 131.

Communication between the printed circuit board base controller 224 andthe printed circuit board controller 131 is implemented through a wiredconnection. However, the communication between the printed circuit boardbase controller 224 and the printed circuit board controller 131 may be,in other embodiments, facilitated by various wireless communicationprocesses including Wi-Fi or Bluetooth etc.

The communication between the printed circuit board base controller 224and the printed circuit board controller 131 may allow for the printedcircuit board base controller 224 to control the printed circuit boardcontroller 131 or for the printed circuit board controller 131 tocontrol the printed circuit board base controller 224. Communication andcontrol is configured to be bi-directional. In addition, thebi-directional communication and control permits a user to swap out abase 220 for another base 220 (see for example FIG. 11) that includesdifferent components and features.

The interchangeability of a base 220 allows for a user to upgrade orreplace a base 220 without the need to replace the remaining componentsof the diffusing apparatus. The controller assembly 130 may beconfigured to detect the type of base 220 interconnected to thecontroller assembly 130. Such detection may be done in a variety ofmanners including by detecting a signal. In an embodiment, the use of apull-up resistor or pull-down resistor may indicate the type of base220. For example, a signal from a pull-down resistor may indicate a base220 is an active base, which may indicate bi-directional controlcapabilities, and a pull-up resistor may indicate a base 220 a passivebase, which may indicate that the controller assembly 130 will controlthe base 220. The base 220 can be swapped out while allowing thecontroller assembly 130 to still operate. Various peripheral devices canbe envisioned to connect and interface with the controller assembly 130,allowing for upgradeable components.

The base 220 is enabled with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other similar wirelesscommunication technology. The wireless communication technology isconfigured to allow a user to operate and control the base 220 throughanother computing device (not shown) including a mobile phone, tablet,laptop, computer, etc. In an example, the base 220 may be controlledthrough an application downloadable to a user's phone or computingdevice. The remote connection allows for a user to operate the diffusingapparatus 100 including the base 220 and the controller assembly 130without the need of touching diffusing apparatus 100. A user may engagethe diffusing apparatus 100 prior to returning to the user's home oroffice such that the diffusing apparatus 100 can have already diffusedessential oils into a room upon arrival of the user.

The base 220 includes ports 206 and 208. External port 208 allows forthe wired connection of the base 220 to an external device or anexternal power source. In an example, the base 220 may be connectedthrough external port 208 to an electrical outlet via a micro USB cable.The power delivered from the electrical outlet may power the base 220and the controller assembly 130. In another example, the base 220 may beconnected through external port 208 to a computing device which mayprovide power and/or directions for controlling the base 220.

Although depicted as a micro USB port, the external port 208 may allowfor the wired connection of the base through other communicationinterfaces including other serial communication interfaces. In anexample, the communication interfaces may use full-duplex serialcommunication. In another example, the communication interfaces may usehalf-duplex serial communication. In some embodiments, the communicationinterfaces may include a full-duplex serial interface with power port.In some embodiments, the base 220 and/or controller assembly 130includes a universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter (UART). Auniversal asynchronous receiver-transmitter is a computer hardwaredevice for asynchronous serial communication in which the data formatand transmission speeds are configurable. The universal asynchronousreceiver-transmitter may be part of the printed circuit board basecontroller 224, the printed circuit board controller 131, or both. Otherhardware components similar to the universal asynchronousreceiver-transmitter are also contemplated herein.

The base 220 also includes an internal port 206. Internal port 206allows for the wired connection of the base 220 to the controllerassembly 130. Referring to FIG. 7, the base 220 is wired to thecontroller assembly 130 through a USB cable 204. The USB cable 204provides bi-directional serial communication between the controllerassembly 130 and the base 220. While a USB cable 204 is depicted, othertypes of serial communication cables may be utilized.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, exploded views of a base 220 are depictedaccording to some embodiments of the invention. The base 220 includes anexterior casing 225, a printed circuit board base controller 224, and aflooring 228. Although the base 220 is shown and described with certaincomponents and functionality, other embodiments of the base 220 mayinclude fewer or more components to implement less or morefunctionality.

The base 220 includes an exterior casing 225. The exterior casing 225includes a reservoir receptacle 240. The reservoir receptacle 240 is asupport basin which is configured to support and hold the reservoir 110allowing the reservoir 110 to stand upright. On a bottom surface of thereservoir receptacle 240, the base 220 includes a plurality of apertures226. The apertures 226 are located in various locations along the bottomsurface of the reservoir receptacle 240. The apertures 226 allow accessfor LEDs 222 located on the printed circuit board base controller 224 toilluminate through the exterior casing 225 and up onto the reservoir110.

In an embodiment, the base 220 includes dual LEDs 222. Positioning LEDs222 in the base 220 allows for the up-lighting of the reservoir and theessential oils during operation of the diffusing apparatus. The LEDs 222may be controlled and operated in various ways. In an example, the LEDs222 are controlled through an application on a remote computing device.In an example, the LEDs 222 are controlled by the controller assembly130. As described above, the controller assembly 130 may communicate andcontrol the base through the bi-directional communication facilitated bythe USB cable 204. Although described as light emitting diodes, the LEDs222 may, in some embodiments, be alternative lighting apparatuses.

Control of the LEDs 222 may occur through button 144 on the cap 140. Inaddition, the LEDs 222 may be powered by the controller assembly 130. Asan example, various lighting conditions may be contemplated andconfigured that allow for strobing, pulsing, flickering, dimming andother effects. In addition, the LEDs 222 may function independently toallow for further options for illuminating the reservoir 110.

The exterior casing 225 further includes port openings 236 and 238through which the ports 206 and 208 fit. The internal port 206 fits intothe port opening 236 and the external port 208 fits into the portopening 238.

The base 220 further includes a printed circuit board base controller224. As described above, the printed circuit board base controller 224may include hardware and other circuits, including a universalasynchronous receiver-transmitter among other components. The printedcircuit board base controller 224 is configured to allow communicationto external devices and communication to the controller assembly 130.The printed circuit board base controller 224 may include software,which is updateable, that operates the diffusing apparatus 100, allowingfor continual updating of the diffusing apparatus 100 with additionalfeatures. The printed circuit board base controller 224 may bedescribed, in some embodiments, as a microcontroller unit or MCU.

The base further includes a flooring 228. The flooring 228 interfaceswith the exterior casing 225 to enclose the printed circuit board basecontroller 224. Assembled with or otherwise attached to the flooring arerubber feet 230. The flooring 228 along with the exterior casing 225 maycooperatively protect the printed circuit board base controller 224 fromexternal damage.

The base 220, in some embodiments, includes a power source configured toprovide power to the diffusing apparatus 100. Referring to FIG. 11, anembodiment of a base 220 includes an independent power source. The base220 includes an exterior casing 225, a printed circuit board basecontroller 224, an expandable foam 244, a power button 207, a battery242, and a bottom cover 246. Although the base 220 is shown anddescribed with certain components and functionality, other embodimentsof the base 220 may include fewer or more components to implement lessor more functionality.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base 220 includes a battery 242. Thebattery 242 may be any battery or device comprising an electrochemicalcell that converts chemical energy into electrical energy including butnot limited to a rechargeable battery, non-rechargeable battery, analkaline battery, a lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, anickel-cadmium battery, or any other type of battery. Additionally, thebattery may be of any standard or special size including but not limitedto D, C, AA, AAA, LR 44, 9-volt, etc.

As described above, the battery 242 may be a rechargeable battery, whichis rechargeable through the power supplied to the external port 208. Thebattery 242 may include or be coupled with a battery protection circuitor other hardware or software that regulates the charging anddischarging of the battery 242.

The battery 242 allows for the diffusing apparatus 100 to operatewithout a power cord and allows for the easy movement of the diffusingapparatus 100 to various locations that may not provide access toexternal power sources.

The battery 242 and the printed circuit board base controller 224 areenclosed by the exterior casing 225 and the bottom cover 246. Varietiesof batteries expand and retract depending on the cycle ofrecharging/discharging. The base 220 may include an expandable foam 244positioned between the battery 242 and the printed circuit board basecontroller 224 to protect the battery 242 and the printed circuit boardbase controller 224 from damage.

The base 220 may include a passive infrared sensor. A passive infraredsensor is an electronic sensor that measures infrared (IR) energy (heat)radiating from objects in its field of view and may be utilized inconjunction with a motion detector. The base 220 may be configured to“wake up” upon detecting motion within a room. The base 220 (or thecontroller assembly 130) may include software that is configured toenter the diffusing apparatus 100 into a sleep mode upon a period oftime without motion detected in a room. Such a feature and componentsallow for the operation of the diffusing apparatus 100 when someone isgoing to sleep without the need of turning off the diffusing apparatus100. The diffusing apparatus may operate for a period of time and entersleep mode upon a passage of a predetermined time without motiondetected by the passive infrared sensor. Although implemented withinfrared technology, such motion detection may be accomplished by othermeans not described herein for the sake of brevity. Another sleep modemay be employed by software included in the base 220 (or the controllerassembly 130) via a user command wherein the diffuser will operate for apreset period of time and then dynamically terminate power to the microair pump at the end of the preset time period. The sleep mode commandmay be operated exclusively or simultaneously with other touch sensorcommands.

Referring back to FIGS. 7 and 8, the diffusing apparatus includes areservoir 110. The reservoir 110 includes an internal cavity 163 whichis configured to hold essential oils. The internal cavity 163 of thereservoir 110 may take different shapes and configurations. In anembodiment, the internal cavity 163 of the reservoir 110 includescontours at a bottom of the internal cavity 163. In an example, theinternal cavity 163 includes a sloped and concave bottom surface whichtapers to create a bowl at a bottom of the internal cavity 163 (see,FIG. 25). In some embodiments, the sloped and concave bottom surface mayincrease the surface area which increases bubble production and leads toincreased aroma performance. In addition, the sloped and concave bottomsurface may enhance lighting provided by LEDs 222.

The reservoir 110 includes a reservoir opening 111 (see, for example,FIG. 12). Essential oils may be poured into the reservoir 110 throughreservoir opening 111. In addition, the air (or other fluid) input intothe diffusing apparatus and the output also move through the reservoiropening 111 which is described in more detail herein.

The reservoir 110 interfaces with the controller assembly 130 and thecollar assembly 310. To facilitate coupling of the various components,the diffusing apparatus 100 may include a snap ring 282 and an O-ring280. The snap ring 282 and the O-ring 280 are configured to seal anouter surface of the reservoir opening 111 with the collar assembly 310which will ensure that no input or output is lost through the interfacebetween the reservoir 110 and the collar assembly 310. Some embodimentsdo not utilize the O-ring 280 and snap ring 282 but utilize the geometryof the reservoir opening 111 to couple and seal the collar assembly 310to the reservoir 110. The snap ring 282 may be a machined or moldedplastic part. The O-ring 280 may be an elastomer such as a fluoropolymerelastomer. Some embodiments may employ a square ring.

Referring to FIGS. 7-8 and 13-14, the diffusing apparatus 100 includes acontroller assembly 130. The controller assembly of FIGS. 7-8 and 13-14may include some or all of the features and components of FIGS. 1-6 ormay include alternative features and components. Although the controllerassembly 130 is shown and described with certain components andfunctionality, other embodiments of the controller assembly 130 mayinclude fewer or more components to implement less or morefunctionality.

The cap 140 includes air inlet ports 202 and an exhaust opening 146. Airis drawn in through the air inlet ports 202 and proceeds through thediffusing apparatus 100 and is expelled through a tube 174 in thereservoir 110 by a micro air pump unit 290. The exhaust is propelled outthe exhaust opening 146 similar to what is described in conjunction withFIGS. 1-6.

The air inlet ports 202 are located on an opposing side of the cap 140to the exhaust opening 146. Such a configuration curbs any exhaust fromthe exhaust opening 146 from being drawn back into the diffusingapparatus through the air inlet ports 202 to enable that the exhaust isdisseminated into the room. In some embodiments, the air inlet ports 202are square shaped ports. In some embodiments, the air inlet ports 202are rectangular shaped ports. In some embodiments, the air inlet ports202 are circle shaped ports. Other shapes and configurations arecontemplated herein.

The air inlet ports 202, in some embodiments, each include an angledchannel or passage, for example a ninety-degree elbow. The angledchannel is configured to enable air to be drawn into the diffusingapparatus 100 but dampen sound waves generated by the controllerassembly 130 and more specifically the micro air pump unit 290. Theangled channel of the air inlet ports 202 allow for the quiet operationof the diffusing apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the angled channelsare configured to reduce high frequency noise (6 kHz-22 kHz) produced bythe micro air pump unit 290, while allowing full inlet air flow to themicro 290.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the controller assembly 130 may includevarious components including a cap 140, a touch interface 139 includingsensor pads 132 and 134, a printed circuit board controller 131, aspacer 136, a micro air pump unit 290, and an engine mount 300.

The micro air pump unit 290 draws air in from the air input ports 202and pumps air out a nozzle 292. The air from the nozzle 292 is pumpeddown a central opening 303 of the engine mount 300. The micro air pumpunit 290 functions similarly to what was described in conjunction withthe micro air pump 150. The micro air pump unit 290 allows for operationof the diffusing apparatus 100 with low power consumption. In someembodiments, the micro air pump unit 290 is a piezoelectric diaphragmmicro pump. In some embodiments, the micro air pump 290 may providebetween 500 and 2700 Pa of pressure with a consumption of between 0.1and 1 Watts and deliver about 1-2 L/min of airflow in a physical packageof less than 25×25×10 millimeters. In some embodiments, the physicalpackage is less than 20×20×2 millimeters. In addition, the pressurerange may be dictated by the controller assembly 130 and may bedependent on the particular setting used. For example, a low setting mayproduce 500 Pa of pressure, a medium setting may produce 1200 Pa ofpressure, and a high setting may produce up to 2700 Pa of pressure.

While the illustrated embodiments depict a single micro air pump 290,some embodiments may include a plurality of micro air pumps 290. In someimplementations, the micro air pumps 290 are fluidly connected inseries, which may increase the pressure ranges discussed above. In someimplementations, the micro air pumps 290 are fluidly connected inparallel, which may increase the airflow range discussed above.

Each of the components of the controller assembly 130 may be fastenedtogether through fasteners 135 and through apertures 307. The micro airpump unit 290 is coupled to the engine mount 300. The engine mount 300is configured to couple to the collar assembly 310 (see, for example,FIGS. 17 and 18).

The engine mount 300 includes a central opening 303, a raised rim 301and locating knobs 305. The central opening 303 extends from the top ofthe engine mount 300 and down through a central protrusion 304, whichcentral protrusion 304 extends out the bottom of the engine mount 300.As described above, the central opening 303 funnels the air expelledthrough the nozzle 292 down the diffusing apparatus 100.

The central protrusion 304 is configured to align and couple with thecollar assembly 310. More specifically, the central protrusion 304 isinserted into a collar inlet conduit 374 (see, for example, FIG. 18).Positioned on the central protrusion 304, the controller assembly 130may include a wiper seal 302. The wiper seal 302, in the illustratedembodiment, is a double wiper seal with dual protruding sealing surfaceswhich are configured to couple to the collar inlet conduit 374 of thecollar assembly 310.

The engine mount 300 further includes a raised rim 301 on which themicro air pump unit 290 rests and which forms a seal to ensure that theairflow expelled from the nozzle 292 is directed down the centralopening 303.

The engine mount 300 further includes locating knobs 305 which areprotrusions extending down at a periphery of the engine mount 300. Thelocating knobs 305 are configured to align with the collar assembly 310,and more specifically, with locating notches 315. The locating knobs 305and the locating notches 315 cooperatively ensure that a collar exhaustport 312 aligns with the exhaust opening 146 of the cap 140.

The engine mount 300 further may include sealing edges located around aperipheral edge of the engine mount 300 to ensure that the engine mount300 couples to the cap 140 and forms a seal to prevent fluid or othercontaminants from entering into the controller assembly 130 through thebottom of the controller assembly 130. Further, the coupling between theengine mount 300 and the cap 140 prevents saturated output air fromrecirculating inside the controller assembly 130. In some embodiments,the sealing edges include a movable sealing flange molded into theengine mount.

The engine mount 300 further may include a cable slot 309 which permitsUSB cable 204 to pass between the engine mount and the cap 140 such thatthe USB cable 204 connects to the printed circuit board controller 131.The slot contains a protrusion to pinch the cable, holding it in placeafter assembly. As depicted in FIG. 13, the USB cable includes a lowerconnector 205 and an upper connector 209. The upper connector 209 iscoupled to the printed circuit board controller 131. The coupling may bepermanent. The lower connector 205 may connect to the base 220 aspreviously described herein.

The micro air pump unit 290 is connected to the printed circuit boardcontroller 131 through a micro connector 291. The micro connector 291couples to the printed circuit board controller 131 through controllerconnector 137. Through the electronic connection between the microconnector 291 and the controller connector 137, the printed circuitboard controller 131 may control and operate the micro air pump unit290.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, the diffusing apparatus may include acollar assembly 310. The collar assembly 310 is configured, in someembodiments, to couple the controller assembly 130 to the reservoir 110and to the tube 174.

The collar assembly 310 includes a collar 314 and a channel cap 320.Although the collar assembly 310 is shown and described with certaincomponents and functionality, other embodiments of the collar assembly310 may include fewer or more components to implement less or morefunctionality.

The collar 314 is a molded or machined part made of a solid materialsuch as plastic. The collar 314 includes a collar inlet conduit 374which is a centrally located conduit that channels the input air downinto the tube 174. As discussed above, the central protrusion 304 isinserted into the upper opening of the collar inlet conduit 374 whilethe tube 174 is inserted into the lower opening of the collar inletconduit 374. The collar inlet conduit includes a tapered surface 373which is angled to allow for the controller assembly 130 to be insertedor removed at an angle. The tapered surface 373 allows for thecontroller assembly 130, and more specifically the central protrusion304, to be inserted at an angle up to twenty to thirty degrees of axis.

Referring now to FIG. 17, the collar 314 further includes an innerprotruding annulus 327 and an outer protruding annulus 313. The innerprotruding annulus 327 forms at least a portion of the collar inletconduit 374 and is configured to interface and couple to the tube 174.The outer protruding annulus 313 is configured to surround and couple toreservoir opening 111. As previously discussed, in embodiments thatutilize the O-ring 280, the O-ring 280 may seal against the outersurface of the reservoir opening 111. The O-ring 280 further sealsagainst the inner surface of the outer protruding annulus 313. Thisensures that saturated output air is funneled back up through the collarassembly 310 and not out between the collar assembly 310 and thereservoir 110.

The collar 314 further includes a collar exhaust aperture 317. Thecollar exhaust aperture 317 is a conduit that extends from the bottom ofthe collar 314 at a location between the inner protruding annulus 327and the outer protruding annulus 313. The collar exhaust aperture 317 isa square or rectangular shaped aperture that funnels the saturatedoutput exhaust from the reservoir 110 out and through a collar exhaustchannel 332.

The collar exhaust channel 332 is a channel extending in a circular pathin around the collar inlet conduit 374. The collar exhaust channel 332extends from the collar exhaust aperture 317 to the opposite side of thecollar inlet conduit 374 to allow saturated output exhaust to exitthrough a collar exhaust port 312 (see, for example, FIG. 17). Thecollar exhaust port 312 is an aperture formed by coupling the channelcap 320 to the collar 314. The channel cap 320 sits on a ledge to sealagainst the collar 314 and form an output conduit for the saturatedoutput exhaust. The channel cap 320 may be attached or coupled to thecollar 314 in various manners including, but not limited to, adhesives,mechanical interference fit, ultrasonic welding, etc.

The channel cap 320 includes a circular ring 321 with a central aperture324, an inner protruding ledge 322, and an outer protruding ledge 323.The inner protruding ledge 322 is configured to cover the collar exhaustaperture 317. The outer protruding ledge 323 is configured to extend outand form the upper surface of the collar exhaust port 312.

The collar assembly 310 is configured to prevent spills. The collarexhaust aperture 317 and collar exhaust channel 332 prevent spills. Anyessential oil that makes its way to the collar exhaust aperture 317 whenthe bottle is tipped must pass completely around the collar inletconduit 374 before exiting the collar exhaust port 312. Surface tensioninside of the small passageway helps to impede flow of essential oil aswell.

The collar assembly 310 is configured to align the collar exhaust port312 with the exhaust opening 146 of the cap 140. All together an exhaustpassageway is formed that begins at the collar exhaust aperture 317extends through the collar exhaust channel 332 and the collar exhaustport 312 and out the exhaust opening 146.

The collar 314 further includes locating notches 315 which cooperativelyreceive the locating knobs 305 of the engine mount. In addition, thecollar 314 includes a shelf ledge 367 on which the cap 140 rests. Thecollar 314 further includes a cable notch 319 which, similar the cableslot 309 of the engine mount 300, permits USB cable 204 to pass betweenthe collar assembly 310 and the cap 140.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 19, the diffusing apparatus includes a tube174. The tube 174 is pipe or conduit that funnels inlet air down theinternal cavity 163 (see, for example, FIG. 25) of the reservoir 110 toa location near the bottom of the internal cavity 163, a location whichis immersed in the essential oils. The formation of micro-bubblesthrough a diffuser tip 180 occur at the bottom of the reservoir 110 andbubble up the reservoir causing the air within the reservoir to saturatewith the essential oils and exit through the exhaust passageway asprevious described. The tube 174 is a circular pipe but other shapes arecontemplated herein.

The tube 174 includes a side aperture 175. The side aperture 175 is abypass vent hole on one side of the tube 174 extending from inside thetube 174 to the one side of the tube 174 (see, for example, FIG. 19).The side aperture 175 is small. In some embodiments, the side aperture175 is less than one millimeter in diameter. In some embodiments, theside aperture 175 is 0.4 millimeters in diameter. The side aperture 175is located between one-half and two-thirds of the height of the tube174.

The side aperture 175 is configured to bypass a portion of thepressurized air flow that is channeling down the tube 174. The bypassportion is forced out the side aperture 175. The bypass portion isfurther configured to cut or break the bubbles that are being forced upthe internal cavity 163 of the reservoir 110. By breaking the bubbles,the bypass portion exiting the side aperture 175 prevents or reducesbubble overflow into the exhaust passageway. Such a configuration allowsthe micro air pump unit 290 to operate continuously and at higher airflow rates.

In addition, as the essential oils deplete in the reservoir 110, thehead pressure or the pressure at the bottom of the tube 174 decreases.As the head pressure decreases more air will exit at the bottom of thetube 174 while bypassing less air at the side aperture 175. Theincreased airflow at the bottom of the tube 174 will maintainperformance of the diffusing apparatus 100 even at lower levels ofessential oils in the reservoir 110. Furthermore, the bypass of some ofthe pressurized air through the side aperture 175 results in theessential oil reservoir lasting longer, improving overall efficiency ofthe diffusing apparatus. This is because not all of the pressurized airmust pass through the bottom of the tube 174 into the essential oils,resulting in a longer reservoir life, but maintaining saturated exhaustvelocity and projection of the aroma into the occupied room or space.

The tube 174 may be made of various materials. In some embodiments, thetube 174 is made of machined plastic. In some implementations, the tube174 is formed or machined of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Dimensionalstability of the side aperture 175 enables more consistent operation ofthe diffusing apparatus.

Positioned at the bottom of the tube 174 is the diffuser tip 180.Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 20-24, the diffuser tip 180 includes acentral conduit 481. The bottom of the tube 174 interfaces and couplesto the central conduit 481 of the diffuser tip 180. The pressurized airis forced down the central conduit 481 to the bottom of the diffuser tip180 and out a plurality of orifices 482. The orifices 482 are recessedin from the outer surface 483 of the diffuser tip 180.

The diffuser tip 180 includes a bottom plate 485, orifice sidewalls 486,and the central conduit 481. The orifices 482 are a recessed channelformed between a bottom edge 488 of the central conduit 481, the orificesidewalls 486, and an outer edge 489 of the bottom plate 485. Therecessed orifices 482 form bubbles along the recessed channel which arethen expelled from the diffuser tip 180 and forced up the reservoir 110.The size and number of orifices 482 may vary. In some embodiments, thediffuser tip 180 includes eight orifices 482 equally spaced around aperimeter of the base of the diffuser tip 180. The size, number, andshape of the orifices can be tuned to yield bubbles of an optimizedsize. Optimal bubble size formation allows for quiet formation ofbubbles and helps prevent bubble overflow.

In some embodiments, the diffusing apparatus 100 further includes anelectronic tilt sensor. The electronic tilt sensor is configured tosense if the diffusing apparatus 100 has been tipped over. Theelectronic tilt sensor is configured to signal printed circuit boardcontroller 131 or the printed circuit board base controller 224 to turnoff the micro air pump unit 290. In an example, the electronic tiltsensor is a 2-axis electronic Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS)accelerometer type integrated chip sensor. Other types of tilt sensorsare contemplated but not described herein for the sake of brevity. Thetilt sensor may be part of the base 220 or the controller assembly 130.

Now referring to FIG. 27, one embodiment of a method 400 of infusing airwith essential oils is shown. The method 400 includes providing anessential oils reservoir at 402 and coupling a controller assembly tothe reservoir, the controller assembly including a micro air pump unit,and a first controller at 404. At 406, the method 400 includes couplinga base to the reservoir comprising a second controller. At 408, themethod 400 includes controlling operation of the first controllerthrough the second controller to operate the micro air pump unit andexpel air through the controller assembly into a tube and into essentialoils located in the reservoir. The method then ends.

Referring now to FIG. 28, a perspective view of a channel cap is shown,according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Thechannel cap 320 is similar to the channel cap 320 described inconjunction with FIG. 18 but includes various additional features andfunctionality. The channel cap 320 along with the collar exhaust channel332 of the collar 314 form the pathway for the exhaust of the system.The channel cap 320 sits on a ledge to seal against the collar 314 andform an output conduit for the saturated output exhaust. The channel cap320 may be attached or coupled to the collar 314 in various mannersincluding, but not limited to, adhesives, mechanical interference fit,ultrasonic welding, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, the collar exhaust port 312 is a singleopening that allows for the saturated output exhaust to exit the device.Referring now to FIG. 30, the collar exhaust port 312 includes fluidflow regulators 502. The fluid flow regulators 502 may be configured tochannel or direct fluid flow out the collar exhaust port 312. The fluidflow regulators 502 are coupled to the channel cap 320 as shown in FIGS.28 and 29.

Referring to FIG. 28, the fluid flow regulators 502 are v-shapedchevrons. The channel cap 320 includes two fluid flow regulators 502which are configured to funnel exhaust between the fluid flow regulators502 as well as outside the fluid flow regulators 502 (see, for example,FIGS. 31 and 32).

As shown in FIG. 30, the single collar exhaust port 312 of FIG. 17 nowincludes three separate sections of exhaust port 312A, 312B, and 312C.The fluid flow regulators 502 may be configured to increase the exitvelocity of the saturated output exhaust in the smaller sections.Increased velocity allows for more intensive aromatic effect. Increasedvelocity may also allow for broader reach or coverage of the device. Inaddition, the increased velocity may reduce or eliminate aggregation ofoils in the corners of the collar exhaust port 312.

Referring now to FIG. 28, the channel cap 320 includes a raised platform504. The raised platform 504 further shrinks the exhaust port 312 whenthe channel cap 320 is placed on the collar 314. Further attached to theraised platform 504 are the fluid flow regulators 502. The fluid flowregulators 502 protrude out of the raised platform 504 a distance equalto the height of the exhaust port 312. That is, once the channel cap 320is coupled to the collar 314, the fluid flow regulators 502 extend fromthe bottom surface 384 of the collar exhaust port 312 to the raisedplatform 504. The fluid flow regulators 502 funnel or otherwise directthe exhaust into three separate channels.

In the illustrated embodiments, the fluid flow regulators 502 arechevron-shaped. In some embodiments, the fluid flow regulators 502 maybe manufactured in other shapes and sizes. In addition, the illustratedembodiment includes two fluid flow regulators 502. Other embodiments mayinclude only a single fluid flow regulator 502 or more than two fluidflow regulators 502 depending on how many separate channels are desired.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid flow regulators 502 are coupledto the channel cap 320. In other embodiments, the fluid flow regulators502 may be coupled to the bottom surface 384 (see, FIG. 17) of thecollar exhaust port 312 while the channel cap 320 (similar to what isdescribed in FIG. 18) is pressed against the fluid flow regulators 502.

In some embodiments, the fluid flow regulators 502 are coupled to boththe channel cap 320 and the bottom surface 384 of the collar exhaustport 312. This may be accomplished by ultrasonic welding or adhesives orother similar ways. In other embodiments, the fluid flow regulators 502may be merely compressed by interference fit. In some embodiments, thefluid flow regulators 502 may be integral to the channel cap 320 or thebottom surface 384 of the collar exhaust port 312.

Referring now to FIG. 29, a bottom view of a channel cap 320 is shown,according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Asshown, the channel cap 320 includes two fluid flow regulators 502. Thefluid flow regulators 502 are equidistant from the sides of the outerprotruding ledge 323. In addition, the fluid flow regulators 502 arepositioned such that the fluid flow regulators 502 and the exhaust portsidewalls 382 (see FIG. 18) form substantially laminar channels. Thatis, the fluid flow regulator 502 includes a first slat 522 that isparallel to the exhaust port sidewall 382. The fluid flow regulator 502further includes a second slat 532 that is parallel to the second slat532 of the adjacent fluid flow regulator 502.

As is shown in FIG. 31, which is a schematic diagram showing theairflows 524, 526 in the various exhaust port sections. The fluid flowregulators 502 are configured to produce stratified fluid flow. As thefirst slat 522 is parallel to the exhaust port sidewall 382, the fluidflow 526 funnels out as shown. In addition, the fluid flow 524 betweenthe two fluid flow regulators 502 is stratified or laminar between thetwo parallel second slats 532.

Referring now to FIG. 32, the fluid flow regulators 502 are shaped suchthat non-stratified or non-laminar fluid flow occurs. The exhaust portsidewall 382 is not parallel to the first slat 522 of the fluid flowregulator 502. In addition, the second slats 532 of the fluid flowregulators 502 are not parallel. Various sizes, shapes, numbers, andconfigurations are contemplated herein.

Referring to FIG. 30, a perspective view of a collar assembly is shown,according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Thechannel cap 320 has been coupled to the collar 314 to form the exhaustchannels and exhaust port sections 312A, 312B, 312C.

In some embodiments, a controller, such as printed circuit board basecontroller 131 or printed circuit board base controller 224, may beconfigured to control the pressure or flow rate based on the shape andsize and orientation of the fluid flow regulators 502. The controllermay be configured to optimize the flow rate or pressure depending on thespecifications of the fluid flow regulators 502 or needs of the device.

In some embodiments, the fluid flow regulators 502 may be adjustable inorientation. In some embodiments, the controller is configured tofurther optimize the pressure or flow rate and the orientation and/orposition of the fluid flow regulators 502 in the collar exhaust port 312together to provide an optimal operation of the device.

Referring now to FIGS. 33-39, a diffusing apparatus 100 and variousindividual parts are shown according to one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure. FIG. 33 depicts a perspective view of the diffusingapparatus 100. The diffusing apparatus 100 includes a base 220, areservoir 110, a collar assembly 310, and a protective cap 140. Althoughthe diffusing apparatus 100 is shown and described with certaincomponents and functionality, other embodiments of the diffusingapparatus 100 may include fewer or more components to implement less ormore functionality.

FIG. 34 depicts a close-up view of the collar assembly 310 andprotective cap 140. FIG. 35 depicts a close-up view of the protectivecap 140. In contrast to some of the other embodiments described above,the collar assembly 310 includes a portion that protrudes out past theprotective cap 140. Specifically, a cap projection 582 of the channelcap 320 (see FIGS. 38 and 39) and a collar projection 572 of the collar314 extend out past a front surface 141 of the protective cap 140. Insome embodiments, the cap projection 582 and the collar projection 572protrude past the front surface 141 of the protective cap 140. In otherembodiments, the cap projection 582 and the collar projection 572 arecoplanar with the front surface 141 of the protective cap 140. In otherembodiments, the cap projection 582 and the collar projection 572 do notextend to the front surface 141 of the protective cap 140. Together, thecap projection 582 and the collar projection 572 form the exhaust port312.

Referring to FIG. 35, the protective cap 140 includes a 147. The 147allows for the protective cap 140 to slide on the collar assembly 310with the cap projection 582 and the collar projection 572 fitting in theopen space of the 147 as shown in FIG. 34. To contrast the embodiment ofFIG. 8 and the embodiment of FIG. 35, the protective cap 140 of FIG. 8includes the exhaust opening 146 shaped like a narrow slit that allowsexhaust to escape from the collar exhaust port 312. The protective cap140 of FIG. 35 includes the 147 which fits around the exhaust port 312.With the exhaust port 312 extending past the front surface 141 of theprotective cap 140, buildup of residue between the protective cap 140and the collar assembly 310 is minimized or completely eliminated.

Referring to FIG. 36, the protective cap 140 has been removed to showthe collar assembly 310. The collar assembly 310 has many featuressimilar to those described in conjunction with other embodiments and isnot repeated for the sake of brevity. The exhaust port 312, however, ismodified from the embodiment described in conjunction with FIGS. 17 and18. As depicted, the channel cap 320 includes many of the same featuresas the channel cap 320 of FIGS. 18, 28, and 29 but with a cap projection582 extending out past the outer protruding ledge 323. The capprojection 582 may be of various shapes and sizes. In the illustratedembodiment, the cap projection 582 is centered on the outer protrudingledge 323 but may be located anywhere on the outer protruding ledge 323in other embodiments. The bottom surface of the cap projection 582 isflat and with couple, at least partially, with the collar projection 572of the collar 314.

The collar 314 includes the collar projection 572 which extends out froma face 311 of the collar 314. The collar projection 572 will protrudeout the same distance as the cap projection 582. As depicted, the collarprojection 572 is a U-shaped channel but may take other shapes andsizes. The channel cap 320 and the collar 314 may be coupled together asdescribed in the other embodiments herein.

Referring to FIG. 37, the collar 314 is shown with the channel cap 320removed. The collar 314 is similar to other embodiments described hereinand such features are not repeated. The collar 314 includes a collarexhaust channel 332. The arrows 528 show a general flow in the collarexhaust channel 332 up from the collar exhaust aperture 317, around theeach side, and eventually out the collar exhaust port 312. The collar314 further includes walls 554 which direct the flow to the exhaust port312. The walls 554 extend up a distance so as to engage the channel cap320 and the raised platform 504 (see FIGS. 38 and 39) when the channelcap 320 is coupled to the collar 314.

Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, a perspective view and bottom view of thechannel cap is shown. The channel cap 320 includes the raised platform504 and the cap projection 582. The bottom surface of the cap projection582 aligns with the raised platform 504 and extends out from the outerprotruding ledge 323.

Referring now to FIGS. 40 and 41, a perspective view of a collarassembly is shown, according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. The channel cap 320 has been coupled to the collar 314 toform an exhaust channel and collar exhaust port 312. The illustratedembodiment is similar to FIGS. 33-39 with walls 554 (shown with dottedlines in FIG. 40) which channels exhaust out the exhaust port 312. Theexhaust port 312 is narrowed, like in the embodiments of FIGS. 33-39,but does not extend out. The exhaust port 312 may include rounded edges553. The walls 554 function as fluid flow regulators (like theembodiments of FIGS. 28-32) but are part of the collar 314. The walls554 extend from the bottom surface 384 of the exhaust port 312 to theraised platform 504 (not visible, see FIGS. 28 and 29, for example) ofthe channel cap 320. The walls 554 funnel or otherwise direct theexhaust out the exhaust port 312 (see air flow arrows 528 in FIG. 40).

Referring to FIG. 40, a portion of the internal shape of the walls 554is shown with dotted lines which depict one embodiment of the shape ofthe walls 554 with rounded edges 553 at the collar exhaust port 312.Other shapes and configurations of the walls 554 are contemplatedherein. Although the walls 554 are shown as part of the collar 314 inthe illustrated embodiment, the walls 554 may be part of the channel cap320. In such embodiments, the walls 554 would extend down to the bottomsurface 384, creating a narrowed collar exhaust port 312 similar to whatis shown in FIGS. 40 and 41.

Embodiments utilizing fluid flow regulators 502 or walls 554 may lead toless buildup of oils in the collar exhaust port 312 and in otherinternal areas in the collar exhaust channel. In addition, the fluidflow regulators 502, in some embodiments, create a lower dynamicpressure drop than what is present with large opening embodiments suchas is described in FIG. 18.

Referring now to FIGS. 42-45, a diffusing apparatus 100 and variousparts are shown according to one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure. FIG. 42 depicts a perspective view of the diffusingapparatus 100. The diffusing apparatus 100 includes a base 220, areservoir 110, a collar assembly 310, and a protective cap 140. Althoughthe diffusing apparatus 100 is shown and described with certaincomponents and functionality, other embodiments of the diffusingapparatus 100 may include fewer or more components to implement less ormore functionality.

FIG. 43 depicts a close-up view of the collar assembly 310 andprotective cap 140. Similar to the embodiment described above in FIG.33, the collar assembly 310 includes a portion that protrudes out pastthe protective cap 140. Specifically, a 592 extends out past a frontsurface 141 of the protective cap 140. In some embodiments, the 592protrudes past the front surface 141 of the protective cap 140. In otherembodiments, the 592 is coplanar with the front surface 141 of theprotective cap 140. In other embodiments, the 592 does not extend to thefront surface 141 of the protective cap 140. In contrast to theembodiment of FIG. 33, the 592 of the collar assembly 310 forms theexhaust port 312.

With the exhaust port 312 extending past the front surface 141 of theprotective cap 140, buildup of residue between the protective cap 140and the collar assembly 310 is minimized or completely eliminated. Inaddition, the 592 has no seam that may collect a buildup of residuebetween the channel cap 320 and the collar 314.

Referring to FIG. 44, the protective cap 140 has been removed to showthe collar assembly 310. The collar assembly 310 has many featuressimilar to those described in conjunction with other embodiments and isnot repeated for the sake of brevity. The exhaust port 312, however, ismodified from the embodiment described in conjunction with FIG. 36. The592 forms the exhaust port 312 and is integral with the collar 314. Asdepicted, the channel cap 320 includes many of the same features as thechannel cap 320 of other described embodiments, but no longer extends tothe exhaust port 312.

The collar 314 includes the 592 which extends out from a face 311 of thecollar 314. As depicted, the 592 is a rectangular-shaped channel but maytake other shapes and sizes including, but not limited to circular,oval, square, trapezoidal, etc. The channel cap 320 and the collar 314may be coupled together as described in the other embodiments herein.

Referring to FIG. 45, the collar 314 is shown with the channel cap 320removed. The collar 314 is similar to other embodiments described hereinand such features are not repeated. The collar 314 includes a collarexhaust channel 332. The arrows 528 show a general flow in the collarexhaust channel 332 up from the collar exhaust aperture 317, around theeach side, and eventually out the collar exhaust port 312. The collar314 further includes walls which direct the flow to the exhaust port312. The walls extend up a distance so as to engage the channel cap 320when the channel cap 320 is coupled to the collar 314.

In the above description, certain terms may be used such as “up,”“down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,”“over,” “under” and the like. These terms are used, where applicable, toprovide some clarity of description when dealing with relativerelationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absoluterelationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respectto an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply byturning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object.Further, the terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variationsthereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specifiedotherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or allof the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unlessexpressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also referto “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise. Further, the term“plurality” can be defined as “at least two.”

Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is“coupled” to another element can include direct and indirect coupling.Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in somecontact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined ascoupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, buthaving one or more additional elements between the coupled elements.Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element caninclude direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as usedherein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, oneelement can be adjacent another element without being in contact withthat element.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list ofitems, means different combinations of one or more of the listed itemsmay be used and only one of the items in the list may be needed. Theitem may be a particular object, thing, or category. In other words, “atleast one of” means any combination of items or number of items may beused from the list, but not all of the items in the list may berequired. For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” maymean item A; item A and item B; item B; item A, item B, and item C; oritem B and item C. In some cases, “at least one of item A, item B, anditem C” may mean, for example, without limitation, two of item A, one ofitem B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or someother suitable combination.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are usedherein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal,positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which theseterms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does notrequire or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbereditem, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element,component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function isindeed capable of performing the specified function without anyalteration, rather than merely having potential to perform the specifiedfunction after further modification. In other words, the system,apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware“configured to” perform a specified function is specifically selected,created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for thepurpose of performing the specified function. As used herein,“configured to” denotes existing characteristics of a system, apparatus,structure, article, element, component, or hardware which enable thesystem, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardwareto perform the specified function without further modification. Forpurposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article,element, component, or hardware described as being “configured to”perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively bedescribed as being “adapted to” and/or as being “operative to” performthat function.

The schematic flow chart diagram included herein is generally set forthas logical flow chart diagrams. As such, the depicted order and labeledsteps are indicative of one embodiment of the presented method. Othersteps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function,logic, or effect to one or more steps, or portions thereof, of theillustrated method. Additionally, the format and symbols employed areprovided to explain the logical steps of the method and are understoodnot to limit the scope of the method. Although various arrow types andline types may be employed in the flow chart diagrams, they areunderstood not to limit the scope of the corresponding method. Indeed,some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logicalflow of the method. For instance, an arrow may indicate a waiting ormonitoring period of unspecified duration between enumerated steps ofthe depicted method. Additionally, the order in which a particularmethod occurs may or may not strictly adhere to the order of thecorresponding steps shown.

The present subject matter may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. All changes which come within themeaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced withintheir scope.

What is claimed is:
 1. A diffusing apparatus for diffusing essentialoils into the air, the apparatus comprising: a reservoir configured tohold essential oils in an internal cavity; a collar assembly coveringthe internal cavity, the collar assembly comprising a collar exhaustaperture, a collar exhaust channel, and an exhaust port, wherein thecollar exhaust aperture is positioned on an opposite side of the exhaustport
 2. The diffusing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising aprotective cap, and wherein the exhaust port extends past the protectivecap.
 3. The diffusing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at leastone fluid flow regulator positioned in the exhaust port, the at leastone fluid flow regulator configured to direct exhaust out the exhaustport.
 4. The diffusing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising aprotective cap, and wherein the exhaust port is coplanar with a surfaceof the protective cap.
 5. The diffusing apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising two fluid flow regulators positioned in the exhaust port. 6.The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the fluid flow regulators eachcomprise a first slat that is parallel to a sidewall of the exhaustport.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the fluid flow regulatorseach comprise a second slat that is parallel to each other.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid flow regulator iscoupled to a channel cap that covers the collar exhaust channel.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid flow regulator iscoupled to the collar assembly.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe at least one fluid flow regulator is coupled to a bottom surface ofthe exhaust port.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising twofluid flow regulators positioned in the exhaust port, wherein the fluidflow regulators each comprise a first slat that is parallel to asidewall of the exhaust port, and wherein the fluid flow regulators eachcomprise a second slat that is parallel to each other.
 12. The apparatusof claim 11, further comprising a micro air pump, wherein the micro airpump unit produces airflow of up to one liter per minute.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein: the collar exhaust aperture is located ona first side of the collar inlet port; and the collar exhaust channel isa passageway extending from the first side of the collar inlet port andaround the collar inlet port to a second side of the collar inlet portand out a side of the collar assembly.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: a controller assembly removably coupled to thereservoir, the controller assembly including an air inlet port, a firstcontroller, and a micro air pump unit; a base removably coupled to thecontroller assembly, the base including a second controller, wherein thesecond controller is connected to the first controller; and a tube influid connection at a first end with the micro air pump unit andextending into the reservoir, the tube providing a path for pressurizedair from the micro air pump unit into the reservoir through a pluralityof orifices at a second end of the tube.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14,wherein the micro air pump unit generates at least five hundred Pascalsof pressure.
 16. An apparatus for infusing air with essential oils, thedevice comprising: a reservoir configured to hold essential oils in aninternal cavity; a controller assembly removably coupled to thereservoir, the controller assembly comprising an air inlet port, a firstcontroller, and a micro air pump unit; and a collar assembly coveringthe internal cavity, the collar assembly comprising a collar exhaustaperture, a collar exhaust channel, and an exhaust port, wherein thecollar exhaust aperture is positioned on an opposite side of the exhaustport
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a protective cap,wherein the exhaust port extends past the protective cap.
 18. Theapparatus of claim 16, wherein the at least one fluid flow regulator iscoupled to a channel cap that covers the collar exhaust channel.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 18, wherein the channel cap further comprises araised platform, wherein the at least one fluid flow regulator iscoupled to the raised platform.
 20. A method of infusing air withessential oils, the method comprising: providing an essential oilsreservoir comprising an internal cavity; coupling a collar assembly tothe reservoir, the collar assembly covering the internal cavity, thecollar assembly comprising a collar exhaust aperture, a collar exhaustchannel, and an exhaust port, wherein the collar exhaust aperture ispositioned on an opposite side of the exhaust port; and controllingairflow with at least one fluid flow regulator positioned in the exhaustport, the at least one fluid flow regulator configured to direct exhaustout the exhaust port.